Effects of silicone treatments on the dimensional properties of wool fabric

This study evaluates the effects of silicone softeners on the dimensional p roperties of wool fabric. Samples are treated with a simple pad-dry-cure pr ocess in an aqueous bath with aminofunctional and epoxyfunctional silicone softeners. The results indicate that dimensional stability and performance properties improve. The maximum effect is obtained with a 1:1 proportion of aminofunctional and epoxyfunctional silicone softeners, probably due to th e synergistic effect of both softeners by the catalyzing reaction of the am ine group. A hydrophilic epoxyfunctional silicone softener seems to increas e fiber swelling and prevents the reduction of hygral expansion. As for the other properties, there are no significant variations when different kinds of epoxyfunctional silicone softeners are used. The most significant effec t of the softeners is the surface coating, which reduces interfiber or inte ryarn friction.